San Jose Sharks win 6-1 against the Los Angeles Kings: NHL
Hosts San Jose Sharks beat the Los Angeles Kings 6-1, in a one-sided affair played at the HP Pavilion Center, San Jose, California.
The game was important for both teams, as the Sharks could seal the Pacific Division with a regulation time win over the Kings. The Kings, on the other hand needed the win to stay in the play-off cut, which was heating up with each passing game.
An energetic start to the game saw both sides attacking to take an early lead into the match. The Sharks scored twice and got into a comfortable position in the first period. The Kings came back in the second period with an early strike, but San Jose scored
four times next to take a mammoth lead.
A dismal 6-1 scorecard for the Kings saw both teams entering the final period. The two sides made shots on goal every now and then, but were unable to find the back of the net.
The Sharks scored in the second minute of the game through Joe Pavelski from a well placed flick shot. San Jose doubled their lead in the ninth minute, when a decent strike from Marc-Edouard Vlasic hit the back of the net.
The Kings attempted several shots on goal, but were unable to score as the period ended with the Sharks leading 2-0.
Los Angeles scored an early goal in the second period through Michal Handzus, to cut the lead to a single goal. However, Sharks centre Kyle Wellwood scored in the very next minute to take the scoreboard to 3-1.
The Sharks kept on piling pressure and scored once again in the sixth and tenth minute, through Dan Boyle and Joe Thornton respectively. Devin Setoguchi found the back of the net in the final minute and the Sharks ended the period with a 6-1 score.
The aggressive period saw the Sharks making 16 attempts on goal, while the Kings made 12 shots on goal.
The final 20 minutes of play kicked off with the both teams reluctant to go on the attack. The period saw fewer shots on goal with the Sharks making nine goal attempts, while the Kings tried to comeback in the match with eight unsuccessful chances.
There were no further goals and the game ended with the Sharks winning 6-1 in the end. Sharks centre Kyle Wellwood, was named the star of the game as he scored a goal and came up with two assists.